Voice mailbox configuration methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices

ABSTRACT

In one illustrative example disclosed, a mobile communication device includes a user interface, a processor, and a wireless transmitter. The user interface includes, among other things, a visual display which is part of a graphical user interface (GUI). For configuring a voice mailbox at a remote voicemail system, the GUI visually displays a user input prompt for voice mailbox configuration information which corresponds to an audible user input prompt provided by the voicemail system. The user input prompt may be, for example, a prompt for a user password, an audible voicemail greeting, or an audible user name for the voice mailbox. Through the user interface, the voice mailbox configuration information is received by the processor in response to the user input prompt and transmitted to the voicemail system by the wireless transmitter. Advantageously, the mobile device provides a consistent user-friendly GUI for voice mailbox configuration as well as for its primary applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and is related to the followingprior application: User Interface for Processing Voicemail on a MobileDevice, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/426,872, filed Nov. 18,2002. This prior application, including the entire written descriptionand drawing figures, is hereby incorporated into the present applicationby reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to mobile communication devicesand their operation with remote voicemail systems, and more particularlyto methods and apparatus for remotely configuring voice mailboxes ofvoicemail systems from mobile communication devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

“Voicemail” is a common feature for practically all voice-basedcommunication products. As examples, home telephone systems now offervoicemail features built right into telephones, telephone companiesoffer voicemail services in their phone networks, corporations providevoicemail for every desk with integration with e-mail, and wirelesscarriers offer voicemail packages in connection with their cellulartelephones. The average professional may have two or three differentvoicemail systems that must be checked for new voicemail messages fromthe home, the office, or cellular telephone. Each voicemail systemtypically has a different password access and different command codesfor the same voicemail functions (e.g. PLAY, REWIND, SAVE, and DELETE).The result of the above is that the end user must check severaldifferent voicemail systems for voicemail while away and remember eachset of voicemail command codes. It would be advantageous to simplify theinteraction with respect to one or more voicemail systems.

Mobile communication devices, such as cellular telephones or mobilee-mail devices, are also becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Manypresent-day mobile devices provide easy-to-use user interfaces for theinput and output of user information. For example, a mobile device mayprovide an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) for severalprimary applications of the mobile device (e.g. e-mail or Internetapplications). Conventionally, however, this GUI is not associated withthe configuration of a voice mailbox of a voicemail system. Voicemailbox configuration information typically includes a user password, anaudible greeting, and an audible user name. A voicemail system typicallyrequires the user to call the voicemail system and actuate Dual ToneMultiple Frequency (DTMF) keys of the telephone device (i.e. voicemailsystem specific commands) to enter password information and speak into amicrophone to record a user greeting and name. It would be furtheradvantageous to simplify the user interface of the mobile device forconsistency and ease-of-use for voice mailbox configuration.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment of the present application, a mobilecommunication device includes a user interface, a processor, and awireless transmitter. The user interface includes, among other things, avisual display which is part of a graphical user interface (GUI). Forconfiguring a voice mailbox at a remote voicemail system, the GUIvisually displays a user input prompt for voice mailbox configurationinformation which corresponds to an audible user input prompt providedby the voicemail system. The user input prompt may be for a userpassword, an audible voicemail greeting, or an audible user name for thevoice mailbox, as examples. The voice mailbox configuration informationis received by the processor through the user interface in response tothe user input prompt and transmitted to the voicemail system by thewireless transmitter for storage. Advantageously, the mobile deviceprovides a consistent user-friendly GUI for voice mailbox configurationas well as for its primary applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates pertinent components of amobile communication device which communicates within a wirelesscommunication network;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of a preferred mobile communicationdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of communication network components which may beused in connection with the methods described herein;

FIG. 4 is an example of voicemail and database information which may beused for that described in the present application;

FIG. 5 is a message format which may be used for communication ofvoicemail notification messages having voicemail notification payloads(VNPs);

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a general method of sending voicemailnotification information from a voicemail system to a mobilecommunication device;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a general method of receiving and processingvoicemail notification information by a mobile communication device; and

FIGS. 8-22 are illustrations of a visual display of a graphical userinterface (GUI) of the mobile device for configuring voice mailboxconfiguration information for a voice mailbox of a voicemail system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one illustrative example of the present application, a mobilecommunication device includes a user interface, a processor, and awireless transmitter. The user interface includes, among other things, avisual display which is part of a graphical user interface (GUI). Forconfiguring a voice mailbox at a remote voicemail system, the GUIvisually displays a user input prompt for voice mailbox configurationinformation which corresponds to an audible user input prompt providedby the voicemail system. The user input prompt may be for a userpassword, an audible voicemail greeting, or an audible user name for thevoice mailbox, as examples. The voice mailbox configuration informationis received by the processor through the user interface in response tothe user input prompt and transmitted to the voicemail system by thewireless transmitter for storage. Advantageously, the mobile deviceprovides a consistent user-friendly GUI for voice mailbox configurationas well as for its primary application(s).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 which includes amobile station 102 which communicates through a wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 isconfigured in accordance with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) andGlobal Systems for Mobile (GSM) technologies; however, any suitable typeof network communication protocols may be utilized. For example, thenetwork may be based on code division multiple access (CDMA) or othersuitable technologies. As another example, the network may be based onan Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network (iDEN) which is a high-capacitydigital trunked radio system providing integrated voice and dataservices.

Mobile station 102, which is one type of mobile communication device,preferably includes a visual display 112, a keyboard 114, and perhapsone or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, each of which arecoupled to a controller 106. Controller 106 is also coupled to radiofrequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110. Typically,controller 106 is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) which runsoperating system software in a memory component (not shown). Controller106 will normally control overall operation of mobile station 102,whereas signal processing operations associated with communicationfunctions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry 108.Controller 106 interfaces with device display 112 to display receivedinformation, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard114, which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard,is normally provided for entering data for storage in mobile station102, information for transmission to network 104, a telephone number toplace a telephone call, commands to be executed on mobile station 102,and possibly other or different user inputs.

Mobile station 102 sends communication signals to and receivescommunication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those ofstation 118 and base station controller 120, including for examplemodulation/demodulation and possibly encoding/decoding andencryption/decryption. It is also contemplated that RF transceivercircuitry 108 may perform certain functions in addition to thoseperformed by base station controller 120. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 will be adapted toparticular wireless network or networks in which mobile station 102 isintended to operate.

Mobile station 102 includes a battery interface 134 for receiving one ormore rechargeable batteries 132. Battery 132 provides electrical powerto electrical circuitry in mobile station 102, and battery interface 132provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery 132.Battery interface 132 is coupled to a regulator 136 which regulatespower to the device. When mobile station 102 is fully operational, an RFtransmitter of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically keyed or turnedon only when it is sending to network, and is otherwise turned off toconserve resources. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceivercircuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off to conserve poweruntil it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) duringdesignated time periods.

Mobile station 102 operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 140which is connected to or inserted in mobile station 102 at a SIMinterface 142. SIM 140 is one type of a conventional “smart card” usedto identify an end user (or subscriber) of mobile station 102 and topersonalize the device, among other things. Without SIM 140, the mobilestation terminal is not fully operational for communication throughwireless network 104. By inserting SIM 140 into mobile station 102, anend user can have access to any of their subscribed services. SIM 140generally includes a processor and memory for storing information. SinceSIM 140 is coupled to SIM interface 142, it is coupled to controller 106through communication lines 144. In order to identify the subscriber,SIM 140 contains some user parameters such as an International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using SIM 140 is that endusers are not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile station.SIM 140 may store additional user information for the mobile station aswell, including datebook (or calendar) information and recent callinformation.

Mobile station 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a datacommunication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-functioncommunication device with data and voice communication capabilities, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, ora computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, mobilestation 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality ofseparate components, including but in no way limited to a computer orother device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example,in the mobile station block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry108 and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may beinserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptopcomputer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliaryUIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is alsocontemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable ofwireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectivelyassume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of asingle-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a mobilestation 102 may have a more particular implementation as described laterin relation to mobile station 402 of FIG. 2.

Mobile station 102 communicates in and through wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 isconfigured in accordance with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and aGlobal Systems for Mobile (GSM) technologies. Wireless network 104includes a base station controller (BSC) 120 with an associated towerstation 118, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 122, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 132, a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)Support Node (SGSN) 126, and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 128. MSC122 is coupled to BSC 120 and to a landline network, such as a PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN) 124. SGSN 126 is coupled to BSC 120and to GGSN 128, which is in turn coupled to a public or private datanetwork 130 (such as the Internet). HLR 132 is coupled to MSC 122, SGSN126, and GGSN 128.

Station 118 is a fixed transceiver station, and station 118 and BSC 120are together referred to herein as the fixed transceiver equipment. Thefixed transceiver equipment provides wireless network coverage for aparticular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell”. The fixedtransceiver equipment transmits communication signals to and receivescommunication signals from mobile stations within its cell via station118. The fixed transceiver equipment normally performs such functions asmodulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to betransmitted to the mobile station in accordance with particular, usuallypredetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control ofits controller. The fixed transceiver equipment similarly demodulatesand possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communicationsignals received from mobile station 102 within its cell. Communicationprotocols and parameters may vary between different networks. Forexample, one network may employ a different modulation scheme andoperate at different frequencies than other networks.

The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 representsone or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF)channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 andmobile station 102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wirelessnetwork in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, each served bya station 118 (i.e. or station sector), depending upon desired overallexpanse of network coverage. All pertinent components may be connectedby multiple switches and routers (not shown), controlled by multiplenetwork controllers.

For all mobile station's 102 registered with a network operator,permanent data (such as mobile station 102 user's profile) as well astemporary data (such as mobile station's 102 current location) arestored in HLR 132. In case of a voice call to mobile station 102, HLR132 is queried to determine the current location of mobile station 102.A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC 122 is responsible for a groupof location areas and stores the data of those mobile stations that arecurrently in its area of responsibility. This includes parts of thepermanent mobile station data that have been transmitted from HLR 132 tothe VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC 122 may also assignand store local data, such as temporary identifications. Optionally, theVLR of MSC 122 can be enhanced for more efficient co-ordination of GPRSand non-GPRS services and functionality (e.g. paging forcircuit-switched calls which can be performed more efficiently via SGSN126, and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates).

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 126 is at the same hierarchical levelas MSC 122 and keeps track of the individual locations of mobilestations. SGSN 126 also performs security functions and access control.Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 128 provides interworking with externalpacket-switched networks and is connected with SGSNs (such as SGSN 126)via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. SGSN 126 performs authenticationand cipher setting procedures based on the same algorithms, keys, andcriteria as in existing GSM. In conventional operation, cell selectionmay be performed autonomously by mobile station 102 or by the fixedtransceiver equipment instructing mobile station 102 to select aparticular cell. Mobile station 102 informs wireless network 104 when itreselects another cell or group of cells, known as a routing area.

In order to access GPRS services, mobile station 102 first makes itspresence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as aGPRS “attach”. This operation establishes a logical link between mobilestation 102 and SGSN 126 and makes mobile station 102 available toreceive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming data, orSMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data, mobilestation 102 assists in activating the packet data address that it wantsto use. This operation makes mobile station 102 known to GGSN 128;interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence. Userdata may be transferred transparently between mobile station 102 and theexternal data networks using, for example, encapsulation and tunneling.Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocol information andtransferred between mobile station 102 and GGSN 128.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile station 202.Mobile station 202 is preferably a two-way communication device havingat least voice and advanced data communication capabilities, includingthe capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending onthe functionality provided by mobile station 202, it may be referred toas a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone withdata messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a datacommunication device (with telephony capabilities). Mobile station 202may communicate with any one of a plurality of fixed transceiverstations 200 within its geographic coverage area.

Mobile station 202 will normally incorporate a communication subsystem211, which includes a receiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associatedcomponents, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal)antenna elements 216 and 218, local oscillators (LOs) 213, and aprocessing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 220.Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry 108and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will be apparent to those skilled infield of communications, particular design of communication subsystem211 depends on the communication network in which mobile station 202 isintended to operate.

Mobile station 202 may send and receive communication signals over thenetwork after required network registration or activation procedureshave been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the networkare input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiverfunctions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering,channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2,analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signalallows more complex communication functions such as demodulation anddecoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, forexample, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input totransmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communicationnetwork via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communicationsignals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. Forexample, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 andtransmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in DSP 220.

Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station202, and therefore mobile station 202 requires a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) 262 to be inserted in a SIM interface 264 in order tooperate in the network. SIM 262 includes those features described inrelation to FIG. 1. Mobile station 202 is a battery-powered device so italso includes a battery interface 254 for receiving one or morerechargeable batteries 256. Such a battery 256 provides electrical powerto most if not all electrical circuitry in mobile station 202, andbattery interface 254 provides for a mechanical and electricalconnection for it. The battery interface 254 is coupled to a regulator(not shown) which provides power V+ to all of the circuitry.

Mobile station 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is oneimplementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overalloperation of mobile station 202. Communication functions, including atleast data and voice communications, are performed through communicationsubsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional devicesubsystems such as a display 222, a flash memory 224, a random accessmemory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, a serialport 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, a short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, and any other device subsystems generallydesignated at 242. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 performcommunication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide“resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such askeyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for bothcommunication-related functions, such as entering a text message fortransmission over a communication network, and device-resident functionssuch as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used bymicroprocessor 238 is preferably stored in a persistent store such asflash memory 224, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) orsimilar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, orparts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such asRAM 226.

Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic deviceoperations, including at least data and voice communicationapplications, will normally be installed on mobile station 202 duringits manufacture. A preferred application which is loaded onto mobilestation 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM) applicationhaving the ability to organize and manage data items relating to e-mailmessages and voicemail messages, as well as calendar data. Naturally,one or more memory stores are available on mobile station 202 and SIM256 to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the mobile station user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system therebycreating a mirrored host computer on mobile station 202 with respect tosuch items. This is especially advantageous where the host computersystem is the mobile station user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto mobile station 202 through network,an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, andinstalled by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store (notshown) for execution by microprocessor 238.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message(e.g. a short message service or SMS message), an e-mail message, or webpage download will be processed by communication subsystem 211 and inputto microprocessor 238. Microprocessor 238 will preferably furtherprocess the signal for output to display 222 or alternatively toauxiliary I/O device 228. A user of mobile station 202 may also composedata items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using keyboard 232 inconjunction with display 222 and possibly auxiliary I/O device 228.Keyboard 232 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard or atelephone-type keypad or a combination thereof. These composed items maybe transmitted over a communication network through communicationsubsystem 211.

For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station 202 issubstantially similar, except that the received signals would be outputto speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be generated bymicrophone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobilestation 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferablyaccomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be usedto provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration ofa voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of mobilestation 202 by providing for information or software downloads to mobilestation 202 other than through a wireless communication network. Thealternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryptionkey onto mobile station 202 through a direct and thus reliable andtrusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication.

Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between mobilestation 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarilybe similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrareddevice and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabledsystems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of BluetoothSIG, Inc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of communication network components for use indescribing general techniques utilized by the mobile station 322 forprocessing voicemail. An external source 300, such as a telephone ormobile phone, places a call 302. Call 302 may be routed to a corporatetelephone 308 or to another service provider's mobile phone 324. Whencall 302 is intended for corporate telephone 308, call 302 is routedthrough a corporate phone service 304 and delivered 306 to corporatetelephone 308 which is answered by the user. If the user is unable toanswer corporate phone 308, however, the call is sent back 306 tocorporate phone service 304 where the caller leaves a voicemail message310. Voicemail message 310 is left at a unified messaging notificationsystem 312 where it is stored. Without initiation from mobile device322, system 312 immediately thereafter sends a voicemail notificationmessage 314 via the Internet 318 and a wireless network 320 to theuser's mobile device 322. Voicemail notification message 314 may be inthe form of an e-mail message or a short message service (SMS) message.Based on voicemail summary information provided in voicemailnotification message 314, voicemail message header informationassociated with voicemail message 310 is displayed in a visual displayof mobile device 322. The header information may include, but is notlimited to, calling party identification information, time stampinformation, and time duration information.

When the user chooses to retrieve voicemail message 310, the userselects a visual object or switch associated with a “PLAY” function inconnection with the header message. In response, mobile device 322places a call 346 to unified messaging notification system 312 and sendsone or more commands to play the voicemail message 310 at the mobiledevice 322. Preferably, voicemail notification message 314 includes notonly the information used to provided the header information displayedin the visual display, but also voicemail message retrieval informationused to access and process voicemail message 310 from system 312. Thisinformation may include, but is not limited to, a voicemail accesstelephone number, a message identification number, a voicemail systemcommand to select and/or play the voicemail, and other voicemail systemcommands such as those relating to rewind, fast forward, skip back, skipforward, save, and delete, as examples. During or after voicemailmessage 310 is played, the user may select from a plurality of switchesor visual objects in the display that are associated with “REWIND”,“FAST FORWARD”, “SKIP BACK”, “SKIP FORWARD”, “SAVE”, or “DELETE”, asexamples. Mobile device 322 causes the stored voicemail system commandcorresponding to the user selected function to be sent to system 312 forexecuting the corresponding function at system 312 for processingvoicemail message 310.

On the other hand, if call 302 is placed to a mobile phone 324associated with the same end user, the call is sent to the mobile phonecarrier's mailbox 328 where the caller leaves a voicemail message 330 ifthe user does not answer. The voicemail message 330 is sent to a unifiedmessaging notification system 332 for the mobile phone's carrier whereit is stored. Without initiation from mobile device 322, system 332sends a voicemail notification message 334 via the Internet 318 andwireless network 320 to the user's mobile device 322. Voicemailnotification message 334 may be in the form of an e-mail message or ashort message service (SMS) message. Based on voicemail summaryinformation provided in voicemail notification message 334, voicemailmessage header information associated with voicemail message 330 isdisplayed in a visual display of mobile device 322. The headerinformation may include, but is not limited to, calling partyidentification information, time stamp information, and time durationinformation.

When the user chooses to retrieve voicemail message 330, the userselects a switch or visual object in the visual display associated witha “PLAY” function for this message. In response, mobile device 322places a call 346 to the unified messaging system 332 and sends one ormore commands to play the voicemail 330 at the mobile device 322.Preferably, voicemail notification message 334 includes not only theinformation used to provided the header information displayed in thevisual display, but also voicemail message retrieval information used toaccess and process voicemail message 330 from system 332. Thisinformation may include, but is not limited to, a voicemail accesstelephone number, a message identification number, a voicemail systemcommand to select and/or play the voicemail, and other voicemail systemcommands such as those relating to rewind, fast forward, skip back, skipforward, save, and delete, as examples. During or after voicemailmessage 330 is played, the user may select from a plurality of switchesor visual objects in the display that are associated with “REWIND”,“FAST FORWARD”, “SKIP BACK”, “SKIP FORWARD”, “SAVE”, or “DELETE”, asexamples. Mobile device 322 causes the stored voicemail system commandcorresponding to the user selected function to be sent to system 332 forexecuting the corresponding function at system 332 for processingvoicemail message 330. As apparent from the above in FIG. 3,transparency of voicemail system-specific commands is provided inconnection with use of several different voicemail systems.

FIG. 4 shows an example of voicemail processing data on a mobile device400. A software application 401 on a mobile device 400 receives avoicemail notification message which carries a voicemail notificationpayload (VNP) 404. As initially received, VNP 404 includes informationwhich is made visible to the user in mobile device's display 402. Thisinformation, which may be referred to as voicemail message summaryinformation, may include information such as the length of the message,the calling party's identification, the caller's phone number, and thetime and date of the voicemail. VNP 404 may also include information notmade visible to the user but used by mobile device 400 to retrieve,play, and further process voicemail messages from a voicemail system.This information, which may be referred to as voicemail messageretrieval information, may include information such as theidentification of the voicemail vendor (Vendor ID), identification ofthe voice mailbox (Mailbox ID), the identification of the voicemailmessage number (Message ID), and the telephone number(s) that the devicemust call to access the voicemail system to retrieve voicemail messages(Access Number and Secondary Access Number). VNP 404 includes all theDTMF tone commands necessary for mobile device 400 to play and processvoicemail messages for the particular voicemail system. VNP 404 alsoincludes other information as shown, including bit flags to alertwhether or not voice mailbox configuration is required (e.g. whether apassword or audible user greeting is needed). Mobile device 400 utilizesa database 407 of user passwords 409 associated with each mailbox ID,which the device references when a given password 409 is required by thevoicemail system for authentication.

FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a message format 500 used tocommunicate a voicemail notification message having a voicemailnotification payload (VNP). Message format 500 includes a byte stringthat specifies all relevant information about the voicemail message,including the voicemail message summary information and the voicemailmessage retrieval/processing information. Message format 500 may beprovided in an e-mail message or, alternatively, in a short messageservice (SMS) message. If provided in an e-mail message, it may belocated within an attachment of the e-mail message. If provided in anSMS message, it may be located in the body of the SMS message or,alternatively, in a data header of the SMS message. For the latter inparticular, GSM 3.40 9.2.3.24 provides for available data header spacewhich may used for such voicemail notification purpose.

The first byte in message format 500 is a voicemail notification messagecode 502 used to indicate that the message pertains to a voicemailnotification. As shown in this example, the value “1xC1” is designatedas voicemail notification message code 502 to indicate that the messageis a voicemail notification message. The second byte in message format500 specifies a total length 504 of the message, which may be a maximumof 140 bytes. After the total length information 504, what follows is aplurality of type-length encoded fields (such as a type-length encodedfield 506) most pertinent to the VNP. Following type-length encodedfield 506, additional type-length encoded fields 514 are preferablyprovided. Each type-length encoded field 506 includes a byte code field508, a length field 510, and a voicemail-related data field 512. Eachbyte code field 508 includes data which describes the type ofvoicemail-related data which is inserted within voicemail-related datafield 512. Each length field 510 describes the length (e.g. in bytes) ofthe voicemail-related data which is inserted within voicemail-relateddata field 512.

The following Table 1 outlines one example of information that mayappear in the VNP, such as that which may be included in message format500 of FIG. 5. Note that the information in Table 1 corresponds to thatinformation described in the example of FIG. 4. This data iscustomizable with respect to the service provider.

TABLE 1 Another alternative of voicemail notification data that mayappear in the VNP. BYTE TYPE CODE LENGTH DESCRIPTION VENDOR_ID 0x01Variable, Identifier representing the Max 15 vendor which supplied thevoicemail notification. (ASCII) MAILBOX_ID 0x02 Variable, A unique ID ofthe voice Max 15 mailbox containing the voicemail message. It may be astring representing the voice mailbox. (ASCII) FLAGS 0x03 Variable,Misc. bit flags. E.g., whether Max 4 a password is required forauthentication. (binary) ACCESS_(—) 0x04 Variable, The voicemail accessnumber NUMBER Max 15 that is to be called in order to play the message.(ASCII) SECONDARY_(—) 0x05 Variable, The number which may needACCESS_(—) Max 8 to be dialed upon connection NUMBER to a PBX, in orderto transfer the call to the voicemail system. (ASCII) MESSAGE_(—) 0x06 5Number of new, urgent, fax, COUNTS and total messages, and max messagesin mailbox. (binary) PASSWORD_(—) 0x07 2 Min and Max password LIMITSlengths. Defaults: min 4, max 7. (binary) MESSAGE_ID 0x08 Variable,Unique ID of the message Max 8 within the voice mailbox. BCD with 0xFfiller bit if the number of digits is odd. DTMF_CMDS 0x09 VariableEncoding of DTMF access length control tones. Defaults defined inAppendix A. CALLER_ID 0x0A Max 15 The caller ID (phone number) of thecaller who left the voicemail message, if available. (ASCII) MESSAGE_(—)0x0B 2 The length in seconds of the LENGTH voicemail message. TIMESTAMP0x0C 4 The date/time at which the message was left. (binary, specifiedas the number of seconds since Jan. 1, 1970 00:00) DELETE_LIST 0x0EVariable The list of messages that were deleted during the lastsubscriber session. Lists the size of a MSG_ID followed by list ofMESSAGE ID's. E.g., 00178, 00179 delete confirmations would have format0x3, 0x00, 0x17, 0x8f, 0x00, 0x17, 0x9f ACK_LIST 0x0F Variable The listof messages acknowledged by the mobile during the last subscribersession. Lists the size of a MESSAGE_ID followed by a list of messageID's. E.g. 00178, 00179 would have the format 0x03

In Table 1, VENDOR_ID is a unique string representing the vendor whichprovided the voicemail notification. MAILBOX_ID represents the unique IDof the voice mailbox that contains the voicemail message. FLAGS are bitflags specifying various configuration options as well ascharacteristics of the voicemail message or the mailbox itself (e.g.whether the message is urgent, whether the user's mailbox is full, orwhether a password is required for authentication once the call into thevoicemail system is connected).

ACCESS_NUMBER is the phone number to be called in order to connect withthe voicemail system and play the voicemail message.SECONDARY_ACCESS_NUMBER, which is optional, is a number to be dialed bythe mobile device upon connection to the number specified in theACCESS_NUMBER field. Dialing the secondary access number will transferthe call to the voicemail system. To connect to a corporate voicemailsystem, for example, the user is typically required to call a main phonenumber to connect to the corporate PBX, and subsequently dial anextension which transfers the call to the voicemail system.

MESSAGE_COUNTS is the number of new, urgent, and fax messages in theuser's mailbox, as well as the number of messages in the mailbox and themaximum number of messages in the mailbox. PASSWORD_LIMITS is theminimum and maximum length of the voice mailbox password. There shouldbe two bytes following the length byte. The first byte represents theminimum password length and second byte represents the maximum passwordlength.

MESSAGE_ID is the unique ID of the message within the voice mailboxidentified by MAILBOX_ID. CALLER_ID is the phone number of the callerwho left the voicemail message. The number is preferably fullyqualified, including country code, area/city code, and phone number.MESSAGE_LENGTH is the length in seconds of the voicemail message.TIMESTAMP is the time at which the voicemail message was deposited inthe voice mailbox, specified as the number of seconds since midnight theJan. 1, 1970 UTC.

DELETE_LIST is a list of message IDs that have been deleted by way of aDELETE command. This field is preferably in the format[TYPE][LENGTH][MSGID LENGTH][ID1][ID2] . . . [IDN]. ID1 . . . IDN ispreferably nibble-packed BCD with an “F” filler bit if the number ofdigits in the message IDs is odd. The byte MSGID LENGTH byte indicatesthe number of bytes needed to represent the message ID, not the numberof digits in the message ID. ACK_LIST is a list of messages that havebeen acknowledged by the device via the ACK command. This field is to beencoded in the same manner as the DELETE_LIST field.

DTMF_CMDS is a string of bytes specifying the DTMF sequences requiredfor each supported access control command. The DTMF commands arespecified in two-byte pairs, such that the first byte indicates theaccess control command, and the second byte is a BCD-encoding of thetwo-digit DTMF sequence required to invoke the command. See Table 2below for one example of DTMF access control commands.

TABLE 2 One example of DTMF access control command definitions. BYTEDEFAULT COMMAND CODE VALUE SET_MSG_ID 0x01 0x11 PLAY 0x02 0x12PAUSE_PLAYBACK 0x03 0x13 RESUME_PLAYBACK 0x04 0x14 SKIP_FWD 0x05 0x15SKIP_BACK 0x06 0x16 DELETE_MSG 0x20 0x21 FORWARD_MSG 0x23 0x22REPLY_TO_MSG 0x24 0x23 ACK_MSG_IDS 0x30 0x24 DELETE_MSG_IDS 0x31 0x25PLAY_GREETING 0x40 0x41 DELETE_GREETING 0x41 0x42 RECORD_GREETING 0x420x43 SET_PASSWORD 0x43 0x44 SET_GREETING 0x44 0x45 RECORD_NAME 0x45 0x46DELETE_NAME 0x46 0x47 PLAY_NAME 0x47 0x48

FIGS. 6 and 7 are basic flowcharts describing communication andprocessing of the voicemail notification data described in relation toFIGS. 4-5. FIG. 6 describes basic communication from the system to themobile device, and FIG. 7 describes the basic reception and processingof such information at the mobile device. Beginning at a start block inFIG. 6, if a voicemail message is incoming as tested at step 602, thenit will be received and stored at the voicemail system in a particularuser's voice mailbox (step 604). In response, a voicemail notificationmessage will be sent to a mobile device associated with the voicemailbox (step 606). The voicemail notification message includesvoicemail message summary information and voicemail retrieval/processinginformation as described above.

Beginning at a start block in FIG. 7, if a voicemail message is storedin the voicemail system at step 702, then a voicemail notificationmessage will be received at the mobile device shortly thereafter (step704). This voicemail notification message includes voicemail messagesummary information and voicemail retrieval/processing information asdescribed above, which is stored in the mobile device. The mobile devicealerts the end user through its user interface (step 706). Using thevoicemail message summary information, the notification is preferablydisplayed in the form of a message header line in the visual display ofthe mobile device (step 708). Using the voicemail processinginformation, the mobile devices provides transparent voicemail retrievaland processing functions at the user interface (step 710). To do this,the mobile device is preferably provided with a graphical user interface(GUI) having visual objects associated with basic voicemail functionssuch as PLAY, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, SKIP BACK, SKIP FORWARD, SAVE, andDELETE. Additional voicemail notifications may be subsequently receivedand handled similarly. The end user needs not remember voicemail systemspecific commands for each voicemail system and therefore voicemailprocessing is made much easier. A common user interface is utilized foreach different voicemail system in which voicemail messages are kept.

FIGS. 8-22 are illustrations of a visual display of a graphical userinterface (GUI) of a mobile device used for configuring a voice mailboxof a remote voicemail system. The mobile device 102 or 202 of FIG. 1 or2 may utilize these techniques. In the following description, acontroller/processor of the mobile device causes user input prompts tobe visually displayed as shown and described, receives voicemailinformation from the user interface, and causes a wireless transmitterto transmit appropriate information to the voicemail system asnecessary. Advantageously, visual user input prompts corresponding toconventional audible user input prompts from the voicemail system areprovided in the GUI for voice mailbox configuration. The GUI utilizedfor voice mailbox configuration is similar to that utilized for theprimary applications of the mobile device (e.g. Internet or e-mailapplications).

Beginning with FIG. 8, an example of a message list 804 displayed invisual display 222 of the mobile device is shown. Visual display 222 isa part of the GUI of the mobile device, as are buttons or keyboard 232(FIG. 2) and optionally a mouse, thumbwheel or similar device for movinga cursor 802 for actuating visual objects in the GUI. In a variation ofthis GUI, at least some mechanical switches associated with functionindicators (e.g. “OK”, “ENTER”, “

”, or “

”, etc.) may be utilized with or without displaying visual objects inthe visual display. As shown, message list 804 includes a plurality ofmessage header lines which correspond to an e-mail message or avoicemail message. A message header line 806 in the list 804 correspondsto a voicemail message. Any voicemail message header line will showmessage summary information from the voicemail notification payload(VNP) (e.g. a message time stamp and caller identification). Visualdisplay 222 also displays an indication of the number of new messagesreceived at the mobile device. Although three message header lines areshown in FIG. 8, any number of message header lines may besimultaneously displayed.

In FIG. 9 it is shown that voicemail message header line 806 from FIG. 8is selected from message list 804 by the user. When a voicemail messageheader line is selected, a pull-down menu 902 of functions from whichthe user may select is displayed on visual display 222. As shown, thepossible functions listed in menu 902 include OPEN, PLAY, MARK OPENED,DELETE, COMPOSE E-MAIL, COMPOSE PIN, PLACE CALL, COMPOSE SMS, etc. Thedefault option in menu 902 is a PLAY function (highlighted in FIG. 9)for playing a voicemail message associated with the message header line.When the PLAY function is selected, the mobile device typically“automatically” calls the appropriate voicemail telephone access numberlisted in the VNP and subsequently sends the appropriate DTMF tonecommand(s) from the VNP to play the selected voicemail message.

In this particular instance, however, initial voicemail configurationinformation is needed for the voice mailbox at the voicemail system.Voicemail configuration information typically includes a user password,an audible user greeting, and an audible user name. The mobile device ismade aware of the configuration requirement based on a bit flag in theVNP (see Table 1 above) and thus operates differently from typicaloperation. In this situation and as shown in FIG. 10, the mobile devicedisplays a user input prompt 1002 which instructs the user that the userpassword for the voice mailbox needs to be changed. A visual object 1004(“OK”) which allows the user to confirm this instruction is displayedand its actuation causes the mobile device to display that which isshown in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 1, the mobile device displays a user input prompt 1102 for userpassword information in its display 222. User input prompt 1102 includesa plurality of text prompts and user input data fields 1110 for the userpassword information. Specifically, a text prompt and data field 1104 isused for accepting user input for a current password (“CurrentPassword”); a text prompt and data field 1106 is used for accepting userinput for a new or changed password (“New Password”); and a text promptand data field 1108 is used for accepting user input for the new orchanged password again (“Confirm Password”). FIG. 11 shows these datafields 1110 empty (i.e. prior to being filled with user data), whereasFIG. 12 shows these data fields 1110 populated with user data. Notethat, at this point, the mobile device has not initiated a connectionwith the voicemail system.

An actuation of a visual object 1104 (“OK”) confirms the entry of thisuser password information in FIG. 12, whereas an actuation of anothervisual object (“Cancel”) for canceling the process terminates theprocess. In response to an actuation of visual object 1104 by the user,the mobile station compares the new password and the confirmationpassword. If there is a difference between the new password and theconfirmation password, then the mobile station displays a user inputprompt 1302 which indicates that the passwords are not the same and avisual object 1304 (“OK”) for user confirmation as shown in FIG. 13.When the user actuates visual object 1304, the mobile station will againdisplay that which is shown in FIG. 11 and repeat the process.

If there is a match between the new password and the confirmationpassword entered in FIG. 12, the mobile device “automatically” initiatesa connection to the voicemail system by causing the telephone number ofthe voicemail system to be dialed. While doing this, the mobile stationcauses display 222 to display a calling status 1402 (“CallingVoicemail”) as shown in FIG. 14. Subsequently, a connection isestablished between the mobile device and the voicemail system. Whenconnected to the voicemail system, the mobile station causes display 222to display a connected status (“Connected to Voicemail”) (not shown) andcauses the appropriate DTMF command(s) (identified from the VNP)corresponding to storing the user password information to be sent to thevoicemail system.

Once connected to the voicemail system, the mobile station displays auser input prompt 1502 in FIG. 15 suggesting that the previously inputuser password information be stored in memory of the mobile device. Anactuation of a visual object 1504 (“Yes”) by the user causes the userpassword information to be stored in the mobile device's memory. Insubsequent voice mailbox access with the mobile device, the mobiledevice will “automatically” submit this stored password information tothe voicemail system for authentication.

After actuation of visual object 1504 and storage of the user passwordinformation, the mobile device displays a user input prompt 1602 toinitiate the recording of an audible user name as shown in FIG. 16. Anactuation of a visual object 1604 (“Start”) by the user will begin therecording of the audible user name. More particularly, the actuation ofvisual object 1604 causes the appropriate DTMF command(s) (identifiedfrom the VNP) corresponding to recording a user name to be sent to thevoicemail system. The user speaks into a microphone of the mobile device(e.g. microphone 236 of FIG. 2) to record the user name. The user mayactuate a visual object for ending the recording (“STOP”) or,alternatively, the voicemail system may terminate the recording afterthe detection of no audio or the expiration of a predetermined timeperiod.

After storage of the audible user name, the mobile device displays auser input prompt 1702 to initiate the recording of an audible usergreeting as shown in FIG. 17. An actuation of a visual object 1704(“Start”) by the user will begin the recording of the audible greeting.More particularly, the actuation of visual object 1704 causes theappropriate DTMF command(s) (identified from the VNP) corresponding torecording a user greeting to be sent to the voicemail system. The userspeaks into a microphone of the mobile device (e.g. microphone 236 ofFIG. 2) to record the user greeting. The user may actuate a visualobject for ending the recording (“STOP”) or, alternatively, thevoicemail system may terminate the recording after the detection of noaudio or the expiration of a predetermined time period.

After completing all of the steps described in relation to FIGS. 8-17,the user has completed the configuration of the voice mailbox for thevoicemail system. The mobile device continues to display its connectedstatus to the voicemail system. While being connected with the voicemailsystem, whether at this time or during a subsequent connection, the usermay listen to and process voicemail messages and/or also change thevoice mailbox configuration information. As shown in FIG. 18, the mobilestation provides a pull-down menu 1802 of visual text objectscorresponding to different voicemail functions such as “ViewVoicemails”, “Change Password”, “Record Name”, and “Record Greeting”, asshown in FIG. 18. Other functions which may be utilized while listeningto a particular voicemail message include “Replay”, “Skip Back”, “SkipForward”, and “Delete” in pull-down menu 1802. An actuation of “EndCall” in pull-down menu 1802 will cause the mobile station to initiate adisconnection of the call with the voicemail system.

Even when not connected to the voicemail system, the mobile stationprovides a plurality of phone options 1902 in a pull-down menu 1904 asshown in FIG. 19. One of the phone options 1902 in pull-down menu 1904is “Voicemail”. Other options listed in menu 1904 include “CallLogging”, “Call Barring”, “Call Forwarding”, “Call Waiting”, “GeneralOptions”, and “Smart Dialing”. If the “Voicemail” option is selectedfrom pull-down menu 1904, then voicemail system information 2002 isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 20. Voicemail system information 2002 mayinclude information such as a voicemail access telephone number(s) forthe voicemail system, which may be changed by the user in the GUI. Alsoas shown, the mobile device provides a pull-down menu 2004 which mayinclude other related options such as “Change Password”, “Record Name”,and “Record Greeting”.

If “Record Greeting” in menu 2004 is actuated, for example, the mobiledevice displays a user input prompt 2104 in FIG. 21 to initiate therecording of the audible user greeting. An actuation of a visual object2104 (“Start”) by the user will begin the recording of the audiblegreeting. More particularly, the actuation of visual object 2104 causesthe appropriate DTMF command(s) (identified from the VNP) correspondingto recording a user greeting to be sent to the voicemail system. Theuser speaks into a microphone of the mobile device (e.g. microphone 236of FIG. 2) to record the user greeting. The user may actuate a visualobject for ending the recording (“STOP”) or, alternatively, thevoicemail system may terminate the recording after the detection of noaudio or the expiration of a predetermined time period. This techniquefor recording the user greeting is the same as that described inrelation to FIG. 17.

After recording the user greeting, the mobile device continues todisplay its connected status to the voicemail system as shown in FIG.22. A pull-down menu 2202 in display 222 includes options such as “HideMenu”, “End Call”, “Change Password”, “Record Name”, and “RecordGreeting”. An actuation of the “End Call” option will cause the mobilestation to initiate a disconnection of the call with the voicemailsystem.

Note that the visual user input prompts described in relation to FIGS.8-22 correspond to audible user input prompts from the voicemail system.The mobile device may allow these audible user input prompts from thevoicemail system to be heard by the user through the speaker while thecorresponding visual prompts are being displayed. Alternatively, onlythe visual prompts are provided and the speaker is muted so that theaudible user input prompts cannot be heard. In any case, the mobiledevice provides a consistent user-friendly GUI for voice mailboxconfiguration as well as for its primary applications.

Voice mailbox configuration methods and apparatus for mobilecommunication devices have been described. In a mobile communicationdevice, a method of facilitating the communication of voice mailboxconfiguration information to a remote voicemail system includes thesteps of providing a user interface in the mobile device which includesa graphical user interface (GUI); causing a user input prompt for voicemailbox configuration information to be visually displayed in a displayof the GUI which corresponds to an audible user input prompt from avoicemail system; receiving, through the user interface, voice mailboxconfiguration information which is responsive to the user input prompt;and causing the voice mailbox configuration information to betransmitted through a wireless transmitter to the voicemail system forstorage.

A mobile communication device of the present application includes a userinterface which includes a graphical user interface (GUI); a visualdisplay of the GUI which displays a user input prompt for voice mailboxconfiguration information corresponding to an audible user input promptfrom a voicemail system; a processor which receives, through the userinterface, voice mailbox configuration information which is responsiveto the user input prompt; and a wireless transmitter which transmits thevoice mailbox configuration information to the voicemail system forstorage.

A computer program product of the present application includes a datastorage medium and computer instructions stored on the data storagemedium. The data storage medium may be any memory in mobile station 202or even a floppy disk or CD-ROM, as examples; detailed computerinstructions are written in accordance with the methods and logicdescribed in the present application. The computer instructions on thedata storage medium are executable by a processor for causing a userinput prompt for voice mailbox configuration information to be visuallydisplayed in a display of a mobile communication device whichcorresponds to an audible user input prompt from a voicemail system;receiving voice mailbox configuration information through the userinterface which is responsive to the user input prompt; and causing thevoice mailbox configuration information to be transmitted through awireless transmitter to the voicemail system for storage.

Another method of the present application includes the steps of visuallydisplaying, through a graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobiledevice, a user input prompt for user password information associatedwith a voice mailbox of a voicemail system; receiving the user passwordinformation through the GUI; and causing the user password informationto be transmitted through a wireless transmitter to the voicemail systemfor storage. Even another method includes the steps of visuallydisplaying, in a graphical user interface (GUI) the mobile device, auser input prompt to record an audible voicemail greeting for a voicemailbox of a voicemail system; receiving, through a microphone, theaudible voicemail greeting in response to the user input prompt; andcausing the audible voicemail greeting to be transmitted through awireless transmitter to the voicemail system for storage.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are intendedto be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations,modifications and variations to the particular embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the application. For example, instead ofusing a GUI at the mobile device for processing voicemail messages,mechanical switches associated with function indicators (e.g. “OK”,“ENTER”, “

”, or “

”, etc.) may be utilized with or without displaying visual objects inthe visual display. The invention described herein in the recited claimsintend to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

1. A method in a mobile communication device which is operative forcommunications in a wireless communication network, the method being forconfiguring voice mailbox configuration information in a remotevoicemail system for storage in association with a voice mailbox at theremote voicemail system which is utilized by the mobile device forvoicemail, the method comprising the acts of: providing, in the mobiledevice, a user interface having a display which forms part of agraphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile device; while no connectionis maintained between the mobile device and the remote voicemail systemvia the wireless communication network: visually displaying, in the GUI,a user input prompt for initializing or changing, at the remotevoicemail system, the voice mailbox configuration information which isutilized when accessing the voice mailbox, the user input promptcorresponding to an audible user input prompt from the remote voicemailsystem; in response to visually displaying the user input prompt forinitializing or changing the voice mailbox configuration information,receiving the voice mailbox configuration information that is input viathe GUI and storing the voice mailbox configuration information inmemory of the mobile device; after receiving and storing the voicemailbox configuration information via the GUI, initiating a connectionwith the remote voicemail system via the wireless communication networkby causing a telephone number of the remote voicemail system to bedialed; causing the voice mailbox configuration information and acommand for storing the voice mailbox configuration information to betransmitted, via the wireless communication network, through a wirelesstransmitter and over the connection to the remote voicemail system, forprogrammably configuring the voice mailbox at the remote voicemailsystem with the voice mailbox configuration information transmitted fromthe mobile device; and providing the GUI with voicemail retrieval andprocessing functions for end user retrieval and processing of voicemailmessages in the voice mailbox which is programmably configured with thevoice mailbox configuration information for use by the remote voicemailsystem upon mobile device access to the voice mailbox.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the user input prompt comprises a user inputinstruction.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user input promptcomprises a user input data field.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein theuser input prompt comprises a visual object for invoking a voicemailsystem command which engages the remote voicemail system to receive thevoice mailbox configuration information.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the voice mailbox configuration information comprises a userpassword for the voice mailbox of the remote voicemail system.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the voice mailbox configuration informationcomprises one of an audible voicemail greeting and an audible voicemailuser name for the voice mailbox of the remote voicemail system.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: causing a menu of voicemailconfiguration options to be displayed in the visual display; wherein theact of causing the user input prompt to be visually display is performedin response to an end user selection of one of the voicemailconfiguration options in the menu; and wherein the acts of causing theconnection with the remote voicemail system to be made and causing thevoice mailbox configuration information to be transmitted to the remotevoicemail system are performed after receiving the voice mailboxconfiguration information through the user interface.
 8. A mobilecommunication device operative for communications in a wirelesscommunication network, the mobile device being further operative toconfigure voice mailbox configuration information in a remote voicemailsystem for storage in association with a voice mailbox at the remotevoicemail system which is utilized by the mobile device for voicemail,the mobile device comprising: a processor; memory coupled to theprocessor; a user interface coupled to the processor, the user interfacehaving a visual display which forms part of a graphical user interface(GUI) of the mobile device; the visual display being configured to,while no connection is maintained between the mobile device and theremote voicemail system via the wireless communication network: display,in the GUI, a user input prompt for initializing or changing, at theremote voicemail system, the voice mailbox configuration informationwhich is utilized when accessing the voice mailbox, the user inputprompt corresponding to an audible user input prompt from the remotevoicemail system; the processor being configured to, while no connectionis maintained between the mobile device and the remote voicemail systemvia the wireless communication network, and in response to the userinput prompt for initializing or changing the voice mailboxconfiguration information: receive the voice mailbox configurationinformation that is input via the GUI and store the voice mailboxconfiguration information in the memory; the processor being furtherconfigured to, after receiving and storing the voice mailboxconfiguration information via the GUI, initiate a connection with theremote voicemail system via the wireless communication network bycausing a telephone number of the remote voicemail system to be dialed;a wireless transmitter which is configured to transmit, via the wirelesscommunication network over the connection to the remote voicemailsystem, the voice mailbox configuration information and a command forstoring the voice mailbox configuration information, for programmablyconfiguring the voice mailbox at the remote voicemail system with thevoice mailbox configuration information transmitted from the mobiledevice; and the processor being further configured to cause voicemailretrieval and processing functions to be provided in the GUI for enduser retrieval and processing of voicemail messages in the voicemailbox, which is programmably configured with the voice mailboxconfiguration information for use by the remote voicemail system uponmobile device access to the voice mailbox.
 9. The mobile device of claim8, wherein the user input prompt comprises a user input instruction. 10.The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the user input prompt comprises auser input data field.
 11. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein theuser input prompt comprises a visual object for invoking a voicemailsystem command which engages the remote voicemail system to receive thevoice mailbox configuration information.
 12. The mobile device of claim8, wherein the voice mailbox configuration information comprises a userpassword.
 13. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the voice mailboxconfiguration information comprises one of an audible voicemail greetingand an audible voicemail user name received through a microphone of theuser interface.
 14. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the processoris adapted to cause a menu of voicemail configuration options to bedisplayed in the visual display and cause the user input prompt to bevisually displayed in response to an end user selection of one of thevoicemail configuration options in the menu.
 15. A computer programproduct comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium; computerinstructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium; thecomputer instructions being executable by a processor of a mobilecommunication device operative for communications in a wirelesscommunication network, the computer instructions being executable forconfiguring voice mailbox configuration information in a remotevoicemail system for storage in association with a voice mailbox at theremote voicemail system which is utilized by the mobile device forvoicemail, by: while no connection is maintained between the mobiledevice and the remote voicemail system via the wireless communicationnetwork: causing a displaying, in a graphical user interface (GUI), of auser input prompt for initializing or changing, at the remote voicemailsystem, the voice mailbox configuration information which is utilizedwhen accessing the voice mailbox, the user input prompt corresponding toan audible user input prompt from the remote voicemail system; inresponse to the user input prompt for initializing or changing the voicemailbox configuration information, receiving voice mailbox configurationinformation that is input through the GUI; after receiving the voicemailbox configuration information, initiating a connection with theremote voicemail system via the wireless communication network bycausing a telephone number of the remote voicemail system to be dialed;causing the voice mailbox configuration information and a command forstoring the voice mailbox configuration information to be transmitted,via the wireless communication network over the connection to the remotevoicemail system, for programmably configuring the voice mailbox at theremote voicemail system with the voice mailbox configuration informationtransmitted from the mobile device; and providing the GUI with voicemailretrieval and processing functions for end user retrieval and processingof voicemail messages in the voice mailbox which is programmablyconfigured with the voice mailbox configuration information for use bythe remote voicemail system upon mobile device access to the voicemailbox.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the userinput prompt comprises a user input instruction.
 17. The computerprogram product of claim 15, wherein the user input prompt comprises auser input data field.
 18. The computer program product of claim 15,wherein the user input prompt comprises a visual object for invoking avoicemail system command which engages the remote voicemail system toreceive the voice mailbox configuration information.
 19. The computerprogram product of claim 15, wherein the voice mailbox configurationinformation comprises a user password.
 20. The computer program productof claim 15, wherein the voice mailbox configuration informationcomprises one of an audible voicemail greeting and an audible voicemailuser name received through a microphone of the user interface.
 21. Amethod in a mobile communication device which is operative forcommunications in a wireless communication network, the method being forconfiguring user password information in a remote voicemail system forstorage in association with a voice mailbox in the remote voicemailsystem which is utilized by the mobile device for voicemail, the methodcomprising the acts of: while no connection is maintained between themobile device and the remote voicemail system via the wirelesscommunication network: visually displaying, in a graphical userinterface (GUI) of the mobile device, a user input prompt forinitializing or changing, at the remote voicemail system, the userpassword information required for accessing the voice mailbox; inresponse to visually displaying the user input prompt for initializingor changing the user password information, receiving the user passwordinformation through the GUI and storing the user password information inmemory of the mobile device; after receiving and storing the userpassword information, initiating a connection to the remote voicemailsystem via the wireless communication network by causing a telephonenumber of the remote voicemail system to be dialed; causing the userpassword information and a command for storing the user passwordinformation to be transmitted, via the wireless communication networkover the connection to the remote voicemail system, for programming thevoice mailbox at the remote voicemail system with the user passwordinformation transmitted from the mobile device; and providing the GUIwith voicemail retrieval and processing functions for end user retrievaland processing of voicemail messages in the voice mailbox, which isprogrammed with the user password information required for mobile deviceaccess to the voice mailbox.
 22. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising: causing a voicemail system command for storing the userpassword information at the remote voicemail system to be transmittedthrough the wireless transmitter.
 23. The method of claim 21, whereinthe user password information comprises a user password as well as aconfirming user password, the method further comprising: comparing, bythe mobile device, the user password and the confirming user password toidentify whether a match exists between the user password and theconfirming user password.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the userpassword information comprises a user password as well as a confirminguser password, the method further comprising: comparing, by the mobiledevice, the user password and the confirming user password to identifywhether a match exists between the user password and the confirming userpassword; and wherein the acts of initiating the connection with theremote voicemail system and causing the user password information to betransmitted for storage in association with the voice mailbox areperformed after the user password and the confirming user passwords areidentified to be the same by the act of comparing.
 25. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: wherein the user password informationcomprises a user password as well as a confirming user password;comparing the user password and the confirming user password; and if theuser password and the confirming user password are not the same, againvisually displaying the user input prompt for the user passwordinformation.
 26. A mobile communication device operative forcommunications in a wireless communication network and further operativeto configure user password information in a remote voicemail system forstorage in association with a voice mailbox at the remote voicemailsystem which is utilized by the mobile device for voicemail, the mobiledevice comprising: a processor; memory coupled to the processor; a userinterface having a visual display which forms part of a graphical userinterface (GUI) of the mobile device; the visual display beingconfigured to, while no connection is maintained between the mobiledevice and the remote voicemail system: display a user input prompt forinitializing or changing, at the remote voicemail system, the userpassword information required for accessing the voice mailbox; theprocessor being configured to, while no connection is maintained betweenthe mobile device and the remote voicemail system via the wirelesscommunication network and in response to displaying the user inputprompt for initializing or changing the user password information:receive the user password information through the GUI and store the userpassword information in the memory; the processor being furtherconfigured to, after the receipt and storage of the user passwordinformation, initiate a connection to the remote voicemail system viathe wireless communication network by causing a telephone number of theremote voicemail system to be dialed; a wireless transmitter which isconfigured to transmit the user password information and a command forstoring the user password information over the connection to the remotevoicemail system, for programming the voice mailbox with the userpassword information transmitted from the mobile device; and theprocessor being further configured to cause the GUI to be provided withvoicemail retrieval and processing functions for end user retrieval andprocessing of voicemail messages in the voice mailbox, which isprogrammed with the user password information required for mobile deviceaccess to the voice mailbox.
 27. The mobile device of claim 26, furthercomprising: the wireless transmitter being further operative to transmita voicemail system command for storing the user password information atthe remote voicemail system.
 28. The mobile device of claim 26, furthercomprising: the wireless transmitter being further operative to causethe telephone number of the remote voicemail system to be dialed afterthe visual displaying and the receiving of the user passwordinformation.
 29. The mobile device of claim 26, further comprising: thewireless transmitter being further operative to cause the telephonenumber of the remote voicemail system to be dialed before the receivingof the user password information.
 30. A method in a mobile communicationdevice operative for communications in a wireless communication network,the method being for configuring an audible voicemail greeting in aremote voicemail system for storage in association with a voice mailboxat the remote voicemail system which is utilized by the mobile devicefor voicemail, the method comprising: while no connection is maintainedbetween the mobile device and the remote voicemail system via thewireless communication network: visually displaying, in a graphical userinterface (GUI) of the mobile device, a menu of voicemail configurationoptions including a voicemail greeting recording option; in response toan end user selection of the voicemail greeting recording option:visually displaying in the GUI a user input prompt to record the audiblevoicemail greeting for the voice mailbox, the user input promptcorresponding to an audible user input prompt of the remote voicemailsystem to record the audible voicemail greeting; receiving, through amicrophone of the mobile device, the audible voicemail greeting inresponse to the user input prompt to record the audible voicemailgreeting; after recording the audible voicemail greeting, initiating aconnection with the remote voicemail system via the wirelesscommunication network by causing a telephone number of the remotevoicemail system to be dialed; causing the recorded audible voicemailgreeting to be transmitted, via the wireless communication network overthe connection to the remote voicemail system, for providing it at theremote voicemail system in association with the voice mailbox of themobile device; and providing the GUI with voicemail retrieval andprocessing functions for end user retrieval and processing of voicemailmessages in the voice mailbox having the recorded audible voicemailgreeting.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: causing avoicemail system command for recording the audible voicemail greeting atthe remote voicemail system to be transmitted through the wirelesstransmitter.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the user input promptcomprises a visual object in a graphical user interface (GUI) forinvoking a voicemail system command to engage the remote voicemailsystem to record the audible voicemail greeting.
 33. The method of claim30, wherein the user input prompt to record the audible voicemailgreeting corresponds to an audible user input prompt to record theaudible voicemail greeting from the remote voicemail system.